8th Grade

8th Grade Social Studies Course Description

Early U.S History 1400’s-1900

Course Description: Semester one of this course will begin with the formation of European colonies in the New World and the role of revolution in the establishment of the American government through examination of the U.S. Constitution and the early years of the American Republic. Semester two will focus on the role of westward expansion starting with the Jacksonian Era and conflicts between settlers and Native Americans, slavery and its effects, the lead up to the American Civil War, the American Civil War, challenges of rebuilding the south, known as Reconstruction, and the rise of Industrialization in the Gilded Age. Students will be asked to think critically about the perspectives of various groups in society and their role in American development. In order for students to become familiar with the United States and how it affects our life today, students will be active in class discussions, role playing activities, group work, document analysis, written responses, debates, presentations, art/poster activities, and map activities. Throughout the school year, students will also explore local, national, and international current events.

Essential Learning Goals:

• ELG 1: Students will think clearly and effectively to express ideas through various forms of communication. 

• ELG 2: Students will direct their own learning to investigate questions in a deep and engaging manner and will gather and evaluate the validity of sources. 

• ELG 3: Students will use and apply social studies foundational understanding to make connections between the past and present. 

• ELG 4: Students will demonstrate understanding of current events from their community, nation, and world and the impact upon the people who live there. 

Major Assessment Evidence (Including ELG #): 

• Unit Test- CSA (ELG 3)

  • Students will demonstrate proficiency in major curriculum areas through multiple choice, true/false, matching, short answer, and written essay questions. 

• Document Based Questions (ELG 1)

  • Students will analyze and write about primary source documents from major American eras.

• Primary Source Analysis (ELG 1)

  • Students will analyze primary sources for meaning, context, and perspective.

• Map Analysis (ELG 1)

  • Students will use and construct maps to think critically and make observations.

• Annotated Timelines (ELG 1)

  • Students will create timelines to show understanding of cause and effect.

• Performance Tasks (ELG 1 and 2)

  • Students will explore a variety of resources, form a claim, and support that claim in a persuasive manner.

• Inquiry Projects (ELG 2)

  • Students will engage in self-directed learning around chosen topics.

• Inquiry Centers (ELG 2)

  • Students will examine topics in American history that have posed controversy. 

• Current Events (ELG 4)

  • Students will explore topics relevant to the community, nation, and world.

Key Course Learning Experiences: 

• Primary source analysis

• Vocabulary practice

• Map analysis

• Simulations

• Presentations

• Debates

• Comparing and contrasting events

• Analyzing cause and effect

• Current event analysis

• Class discussions

Last Update July 2025

Contact Information: 

Mr. Schaefer

Email: kschaefer@greenfield.k12.wi.us